U.S. patent number 10,383,376 [Application Number 15/851,448] was granted by the patent office on 2019-08-20 for safety vest.
The grantee listed for this patent is Jimmy R Baldonado. Invention is credited to Jimmy R Baldonado.
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United States Patent |
10,383,376 |
Baldonado |
August 20, 2019 |
Safety vest
Abstract
A protective body vest is disclosed applicable to industrial and
contractor related work for carrying heavy and irregular shaped
objects on the user's shoulder. The vest is in the shape of a
typical armless vest, but can be adapted to have long sleeves to
protect the wearers' arms as well as his torso, neck and shoulder.
The vest has thick variable type padding for the vest garment and
has a combination hard and soft support for the shoulder pads.
Reflective bands on the vest offer protection by giving notice to
all around of the wearer's presence.
Inventors: |
Baldonado; Jimmy R (Ventura,
CA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Baldonado; Jimmy R |
Ventura |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family
ID: |
60805319 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/851,448 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
13447051 |
Apr 13, 2012 |
9854856 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D
13/01 (20130101); A41D 1/04 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A41D
31/32 (20190101); A41D 13/01 (20060101); A41D
1/04 (20060101); A41D 31/04 (20190101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Muromoto, Jr.; Robert H
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Hoffman; David L. Hoffman Patent
Group
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
This application claims priority from and is a continuing
application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/447,051, filed
Apr. 13, 2012, issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 9,454,856, which is a
nonprovisional application from U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 61/462,502, filed Feb. 3, 2011, all incorporated by
reference herein.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A safety vest for exterior wear by a user for high visibility to
others, the safety vest comprising: a vest shaped torso enclosure
having a front, a back, and a defined area for each shoulder for
exterior wear over a user's torso; the vest having reflective
strips on the front and back for reflecting light to improve
visibility of the vest and thereby of the user, wherein the vest is
a substantially one piece sleeveless vest constructed primarily of
lightweight material which is made in highly conspicuous
fluorescent color; and shoulder pads disposed at each said defined
area for providing weight distribution for comfortable support of
items to be carried on a shoulder of a user.
2. The safety vest of claim 1, wherein the shoulder pads comprise
an upper hard pad and a lower cushion pad softer than the hard
pad.
3. The safety vest of claim 1, wherein the vest has pockets for
storage of work related matter and non-work related matter.
4. The safety vest of claim 1, wherein the shoulder pads extend a
substantial portion of the defined shoulder area.
5. The safety vest of claim 1, wherein the vest comprises nylon and
the vest is primarily a breathable mesh.
6. The safety vest of claim 1, wherein the shoulder pads comprise a
multi-layered pad having at least one soft, flexible, and compliant
layer for contact with a shoulder of a user, and having a firm,
non-flexible hard and non-compliant layer disposed on top of the
soft layer for support of an object to be carried by a user.
7. The safety vest of claim 1, wherein the shoulder pads extend for
most of the defined shoulder area and substantially all of the
defined shoulder area in a direction extending from a neck opening
to an arm opening.
8. The safety vest of claim 6, wherein the firm layer comprises
hardened plastic for light weight support.
9. The safety vest of claim 1, wherein the shoulder pads are
removably mounted to the safety vest at the defined shoulder
area.
10. The safety vest of claim 1, wherein the vest shaped torso
enclosure color has a green or orange hue.
11. A safety vest for exterior wear by a user for high visibility
to others, the safety vest consisting essentially of: a vest shaped
torso enclosure having a front, a back, and a defined area for each
shoulder for exterior wear over a user's torso; the vest comprising
a highly conspicuous fluorescent color for improved visibility of
the vest and thereby of the user, wherein the vest is a one piece
sleeveless vest constructed primarily of lightweight material; a
closure mechanism at the front of the vest for ease in putting the
vest on; and shoulder pads disposed at each said defined area for
providing weight distribution for comfortable support of items to
be carried on a shoulder of a user.
12. The safety vest of claim 11, wherein the shoulder pads comprise
an upper hard pad and a lower cushion pad softer than the hard
pad.
13. The safety vest of claim 11, wherein the vest has pockets for
storage of work related matter and non-work related matter.
14. The safety vest of claim 11, wherein the shoulder pads extend a
substantial portion of the defined shoulder area.
15. The safety vest of claim 11, wherein the vest comprises nylon
and the vest is primarily a breathable mesh.
16. The safety vest of claim 11, wherein the shoulder pads comprise
a multi-layered pad having at least one soft, flexible, and
compliant layer for contact with a shoulder of a user, and having a
firm, non-flexible hard and non-compliant layer disposed on top of
the soft layer for support of an object to be carried by a
user.
17. The safety vest of claim 11, wherein the shoulder pads extend
for most of the defined shoulder area and substantially all of the
defined shoulder area in a direction extending from a neck opening
to an arm opening.
18. The safety vest of claim 16, wherein the firm layer comprises
hardened plastic for light weight support.
19. The safety vest of claim 11, wherein the shoulder pads are
removably mounted to the safety vest at the defined shoulder
area.
20. The safety vest of claim 11, wherein the vest shaped torso
enclosure color has a green or orange hue.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to the field of safety equipment
and clothing, and more particularly, the invention discloses a
safety vest having reinforced padding for protecting the wearer
from sustaining pain and injury on the job.
Description of the Related Art
Every day, thousands of professional contractors embark on a
variety of construction and repair tasks. While many workers wear
safety gear, there exists perhaps one area where safety gear is
lacking however. That area has to do with protecting the neck and
shoulders when transporting various goods customarily supported on
a shoulder. Simply stated, many employed in construction
occupations must transport a myriad of heavy equipment and supplies
on the job, using their shoulders as a means of supporting and
balancing the weight of these goods. Transporting these goods can
be extremely taxing on the upper body, particularly the neck,
shoulders, and back muscles, resulting in sore and bruised muscles,
in transporting heavy equipment on the job. Injuries resulting from
such work can hinder the worker's ability to successfully complete
the task at hand, as well as compromise his or her overall health
and well-being.
In particular U.S. Pat. No. 7,181,772 issued to Gillen describes
one type of protective body vest, and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,327
issued to Meyer addresses a unique single shoulder protective vest
with a single variable shoulder pad.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view illustrating one embodiment the
invented safety vest constructed in accordance with the present
invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates a transparent perspective view of the safety
vest of FIG. 1 showing the front, back and sides of the safety
vest.
FIG. 3 demonstrates how the safety vest might be implemented in
transporting heavy objects on a construction site.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
The following detailed description is of the best currently
contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the
invention. The description is not to be taken in a limited sense,
but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general
principles of the invention.
Various inventive features are described below that can each be
used independently of one another or in combination with other
features. However, any single inventive feature may not address any
of the problems discussed above or may only address one of the
problems discussed above. Further, one or more of the problems
discussed above may not be fully addressed by any of the features
described below.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the present invention is a safety vest
having reinforced padding 10 for protecting the wearer from
sustaining pain and injury on the job.
The safety vest of the present invention is double stitched and
reinforced, and is preferably constructed primarily of heavy-duty,
yet lightweight material such as canvas, nylon, or breathable mesh.
The safety vest illustrated is a one piece, sleeveless vest
featuring a solid back panel 12 and two chest panels 14 and 16 held
comfortably closed over the chest by way of sturdy zipper 18
fastener running down the front of the unit. A long sleeve version
of the vest is also envisioned. The vest can be produced in highly
conspicuous florescent orange or florescent green hues. Running
vertically down each side of the vest are reflective strips 20 and
22, and around the periphery 24 and 26 of the vest having a bright
silver or comparable hue, thus further enhancing the visibility of
the vest. Positioned on either front panel of the vest is a pair of
ample storage pockets 28 and 30, inside of which the user can store
any number of small supplies, goods or tools.
The most notable aspect of the safety vest of the present invention
is found in the design of the shoulders of the vest. Incorporated
into the design of either shoulder is a heavy duty shatterproof
plastic or metal shoulder support pad 32 and 34 configured
specifically to provide comfortable support of heavy items being
transferred on the shoulder. Molded to accommodate the natural
curves of the shoulders, the pads 32 and 34 will vary in
depth/thickness and size dependant on the size of the user. The
underside of each hard pad 32 and 34 has a generously padded
cushion pad 33 and 35 such as malleable foam or rubber material,
thus affording a comfortable barrier between the hard support pad
and the body.
Application and use of the safety vest of the invention is very
simple and straightforward. After purchasing a safety vest in the
appropriate size, the user utilizes the vest on the job. Sliding
the vest up and over the body, the user zips the front of the vest
closed, making any necessary adjustments for a secure and
comfortable fit. The user might then fill the vest pockets with
items needed throughout the day, such as chalk, pencils, pens,
snacks and tools. The user can then go about the designated tasks,
utilizing the vest's integrated hard 32, 34, and soft 33, 35
(relative to the hard) shoulder pads to provide a comfortable
barrier between the user and heavy or bulky items being
transported. Carrying items in the traditional manner, FIG. 3, the
user simply balances a length of rebar, plank of wood, or steel
pipe on the shoulders, thereby allowing the vest's integrated
shoulder pads to both support the weight of goods, as well as
provide a protective barrier between the item and the shoulders and
neck. After use, the vest is removed and stored away until again
needed. As shown in and as evident from FIG. 3, the safety vest 10
is for exterior wear. In addition, as can be seen from FIG. 3, the
shoulder pads extend for a substantial portion of the shoulder area
of the vest. The shoulder pads are removably mounted to the safety
vest at the defined shoulder area.
The safety vest disclosed herein provides a number of significant
benefits and advantages. First and foremost, the safety vest offers
professionals employed in various construction fields a practical
way in which to protect their shoulder and neck when transporting
heavy items. A lightweight and easily donned vest having
integrated, heavy-duty shoulder pads 32 and 34 comfortably
conforming to the shape of the shoulders with cushioned pads 33 and
35 enables users to transport items such a rebar, bricks, planks of
wood, large blocks, and steel piping, balancing these objects
behind the neck and on the shoulders, in a simple and comfortable
manner. The safety vest also serves to absorb the shock and weight
of heavy items, and thereby, vest enables those employed in
construction fields to more safely and comfortably complete various
aspects of their job. Ironworkers, pipefitters, bricklayers, and
others will appreciate that wear of the vest effectively eliminates
the sore and bruised neck and shoulder muscles so often associated
with transporting heavy supplies. Improving worker safety, use of
the vest can potentially reduce on site job related injuries, as
well as the associated medical and insurance costs of these
injuries. Manufactured with sheer comfort in mind and produced in a
variety of sizes, the ergonomic design of the vest's support pads
32, 33 and 34, 35 ensures that regardless of the wearer's size, the
vest snugly cushions the shoulders throughout the course of a busy
day. Although designed with professionals in mind, amateur
do-it-yourselfers will also appreciate the many benefits the vest
affords.
Offering consumers a practical way in which to protect the neck and
shoulders on the job, the safety vest invention enables wearers to
complete a variety of construction tasks in comfort and with ease.
Simple to use and durably constructed, the vests prove a valuable
commodity in any work site.
The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrated preferred
embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the
Drawing and described in detail in the foregoing Specification with
varying modifications and alternative embodiments being taught.
While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated,
it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent
changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing
from the true spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the
present invention is to be limited only by the Claims except as
precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed
herein, may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific
elements which are disclosed here.
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